| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Education & Teaching | |
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Education & Teaching | |
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
Type: Private University
Founded: 1889
Motto: "Voice. Value. Vision."
Converse University is a private liberal arts university known for its strong academic programs, vibrant arts community, and commitment to leadership and service. Originally established as a women’s college, Converse transitioned to a coeducational institution in 2020, welcoming both male and female students.
Diverse Academic Programs: Offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in arts, sciences, business, education, and music.
Petrie School of Music: One of the oldest music schools in the U.S., offering degrees in performance, composition, and music education.
Small Class Sizes: Student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized attention.
Liberal Arts & Professional Focus: Combines traditional liberal arts education with professional training.
NCAA Division II Athletics: Strong athletic programs competing in the Conference Carolinas.
Community & Leadership: Emphasizes women’s leadership, diversity, and community engagement.
Converse offers 40+ undergraduate majors and graduate programs in various fields, including:
Music & Performing Arts: Music Performance, Music Education, Composition, Musical Theatre
Visual & Fine Arts: Art History, Studio Art, Interior Design
Humanities & Sciences: English, Psychology, Biology, History
Business & Professional Studies: Business Administration, Accounting, Healthcare Management
Education & Counseling: Teaching, Special Education, School Counseling
Technology & Data Sciences: Data Science, Computer Science
Historic & Modern Buildings: A mix of Victorian architecture and state-of-the-art facilities.
Petrie School of Music: Includes performance halls, practice rooms, and recording studios.
Montgomery Student Center: The hub for student activities, dining, and recreation.
Mickel Library: A well-stocked library with digital and physical resources.
Athletic Complexes: Facilities for soccer, basketball, tennis, and swimming.
Tuition (2024-25): Approximately $20,000 – $30,000 per year
Scholarships: Offers merit-based, need-based, and talent scholarships for music, athletics, and academics.
Campus Housing: Traditional dorms and apartment-style housing options.
Clubs & Organizations: Over 50 student-led clubs, including music ensembles, theatre groups, and leadership programs.
Study Abroad: Opportunities to study in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Athletics: Competes in NCAA Division II sports, including soccer, volleyball, and swimming.
Affordable private education with strong financial aid options.
Personalized learning environment with small class sizes.
Strong music & arts programs through the Petrie School of Music.
Growing STEM & business programs with career-focused training.
Diverse and inclusive campus community with leadership opportunities.
Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Music (BM)
A. School of Arts & Sciences
Biology (BS)
Chemistry (BS)
Psychology (BA, BS)
English (BA)
Creative & Professional Writing (BA)
History (BA)
Political Science (BA)
Religious Studies (BA)
Sociology (BA)
B. School of Business & Professional Studies
Accounting (BS)
Business Administration (BS, BA)
Finance (BS)
Healthcare Administration (BS)
Marketing (BS)
C. School of Education & Graduate Studies
Early Childhood Education (BA)
Elementary Education (BA)
Special Education (BA)
Secondary Education (BA)
D. School of the Arts
Art History (BA)
Studio Art (BFA)
Interior Design (BFA)
Musical Theatre (BFA)
E. Petrie School of Music
Music Performance (BM)
Music Composition (BM)
Music Education (BM)
Music Therapy (BM)
Sacred Music (BM)
Degree Type: Master of Arts (MA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Education (MEd), Master of Music (MM), Doctor of Education (EdD)
A. Master’s Degrees
Master of Music (MM) in Performance, Composition, or Music Education
Master of Arts (MA) in Teaching
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing
Master of Education (MEd) in Gifted Education, Literacy, Special Education
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT)
Master of Management (MM)
B. Doctoral Degrees
Doctor of Education (EdD) in Professional Leadership
Converse offers flexible online programs for working professionals and certificate programs in:
Healthcare Management
Nonprofit Leadership
Coaching & Leadership
Music Business
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Religious Studies |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Creative & Professional Writing |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Chemistry |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Marketing |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Healthcare Administration |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Art |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Musical Theatre |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Music (BM) in Music Performance |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Music (BM) in Music Composition |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Music (BM) in Music Education |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Music (BM) in Music Therapy |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Music (BM) in Sacred Music |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Early Childhood Education |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Elementary Education |
4 years |
$19,500 |
|
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Special Education |
4 years |
$19,500 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Music (MM) in Performance |
2 years |
$19,500 |
|
Master of Music (MM) in Composition |
2 years |
$19,500 |
|
Master of Music (MM) in Music Education |
2 years |
$19,500 |
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing |
2 years |
$19,500 |
|
Master of Arts (MA) in Teaching (MAT) |
2 years |
$19,500 |
|
Master of Education (MEd) in Literacy |
2 years |
$19,500 |
|
Master of Education (MEd) in Gifted Education |
2 years |
$19,500 |
|
Master of Education (MEd) in Special Education |
2 years |
$19,500 |
|
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT) |
2 years |
$19,500 |
|
Master of Management (MM) |
1.5 – 2 years |
$19,500 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Doctor of Education (EdD) in Professional Leadership |
3 years |
$19,500 |
International students can apply for:
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Programs
Bachelor of Arts (BA) – English, History, Political Science, Psychology, etc.
Bachelor of Science (BS) – Biology, Chemistry, Business Administration, Finance, etc.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) – Studio Art, Interior Design, Musical Theatre
Bachelor of Music (BM) – Music Performance, Music Education, Music Therapy
Graduate (Master’s) Programs
Master of Music (MM) – Performance, Composition, Music Education
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) – Creative Writing
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Master of Education (MEd) – Special Education, Gifted Education, Literacy
Master of Management (MM)
Doctoral (PhD/EdD) Programs
Doctor of Education (EdD) in Professional Leadership
Undergraduate Admissions (Bachelor’s Degree)
High School Diploma (equivalent to U.S. high school completion)
Minimum GPA: 2.5+ recommended
English Proficiency Test (for non-native speakers)
SAT/ACT (Optional but recommended for scholarships)
Personal Statement / Essay
Letters of Recommendation (2 required)
Audition (For Music & Performing Arts Students)
Graduate Admissions (Master’s & Doctoral Degrees)
Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution
Minimum GPA: 3.0+ recommended
English Proficiency Test (if applicable)
Résumé (for professional programs)
Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation (2-3 required)
Portfolio or Audition (For Art & Music programs)
1. Choose Your Program
Converse University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in:
Arts & Sciences (Psychology, Biology, English, History, Political Science, etc.)
Business & Professional Studies (Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, etc.)
Education & Counseling (Teaching, Special Education, School Counseling, etc.)
Fine Arts & Music (Studio Art, Interior Design, Music Performance, Composition, etc.)
2. Application Process
Step 1: Submit Online Application
Apply through the Converse University Application Portal or Common App (for undergraduates).
Application Deadlines:
Fall Semester: Rolling admissions (apply early for scholarships).
Spring Semester: Limited programs available.
Application Fee:
Undergraduate: FREE
Graduate: $40 (varies by program)
Step 2: Submit Required Documents
A. Undergraduate Admissions (Bachelor’s Degree)
Completed Online Application
Official High School Transcripts (or equivalent for international students)
GPA Requirement: Minimum 2.5+ recommended
SAT/ACT Scores (Optional but recommended for scholarships)
Personal Statement or Essay (Recommended but not required)
Letters of Recommendation (Optional but encouraged for scholarships)
Audition or Portfolio (For Music, Art, and Performing Arts applicants)
B. Graduate Admissions (Master’s & Doctoral Degrees)
Completed Online Application
Official Undergraduate Transcripts (Minimum GPA: 3.0+ recommended)
Résumé or CV (For professional programs)
Statement of Purpose (Explaining career goals and reasons for applying)
Two or Three Letters of Recommendation
Portfolio or Audition (For Music, Art, and MFA programs)
C. International Student Admissions
Additional requirements for international students:
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo)
Passport Copy
Proof of Financial Support (For visa purposes)
Interview (If required for specific programs)
Step 3: English Language Proficiency (For International Students)
If English is not your native language, submit one of the following:
Test Name |
Minimum Score for Undergraduate |
Minimum Score for Graduate |
|---|---|---|
|
TOEFL iBT |
78 |
80 |
|
IELTS |
6.0 |
6.5 |
|
Duolingo |
100 |
105 |
Conditional Admission: If you don’t meet the English requirement, Converse may offer ESL support.
Step 4: Audition & Portfolio Submission (For Music & Fine Arts Programs)
Music Applicants (BM & MM): Must audition (live or recorded).
Art & Design Applicants (BFA & MFA): Must submit a portfolio of work.
Step 5: Receive Admission Decision
Decisions are usually sent within 2-4 weeks of application submission.
Accepted students receive scholarship information along with their admission offer.
Step 6: Confirm Enrollment & Apply for Visa (For International Students)
Pay the enrollment deposit ($200 for undergraduates, varies for graduates).
Receive Form I-20 for the F-1 student visa application.
Schedule a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Intake Season |
Application Deadline |
Programs Available |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall Intake (Main Intake) |
Rolling Admissions (Apply Early for Scholarships) |
All undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs |
|
Spring Intake |
Rolling Admissions |
Selected undergraduate and graduate programs |
|
Summer Intake |
(Limited Programs) |
Graduate programs (Education & Management) |
Fall intake is the primary admission cycle for all programs, while Spring and Summer have limited availability.
High School Diploma (or equivalent)
Minimum GPA: 2.5+ recommended
SAT/ACT Scores: Optional (but required for some scholarships)
English Proficiency Test (for international students)
Personal Statement & Letters of Recommendation (Optional but encouraged for scholarships)
Audition/Portfolio (For Music, Art, and Performing Arts applicants)
English Proficiency Requirements for International Students
Test Name |
Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL iBT |
78 |
|
IELTS |
6.0 |
|
Duolingo |
100 |
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
Minimum GPA: 3.0+ recommended
Résumé or CV (For professional programs)
Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation (2-3 required)
Portfolio/Audition (For Music, Art, and MFA applicants)
English Proficiency Requirements for International Students
Test Name |
Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL iBT |
80 |
|
IELTS |
6.5 |
|
Duolingo |
105 |
Master’s Degree in a related field
Minimum GPA: 3.0+ recommended
Work Experience (Preferred but not required for EdD program)
Statement of Research Interests
Letters of Recommendation (3 required)
English Proficiency Requirements for International Students
Test Name |
Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL iBT |
85 |
|
IELTS |
7.0 |
|
Duolingo |
110 |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Coverage |
Applicable Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Merit Scholarship |
Based on GPA & academic achievement |
Up to $10,000 per year |
All undergraduate programs |
|
Presidential Scholarship |
High-achieving students with exceptional academic records |
Up to $15,000 per year |
All undergraduate programs |
|
Transfer Student Scholarship |
For transfer students with a GPA of 3.0+ |
$5,000 – $10,000 per year |
Undergraduate programs |
Automatic consideration for merit scholarships upon application submission.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Coverage |
Applicable Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Music & Performing Arts Scholarship |
Based on audition performance |
Partial to full tuition |
Music, Theatre, Dance programs |
|
Art & Design Scholarship |
Requires portfolio submission |
Partial tuition aid |
Studio Art, Interior Design |
|
Athletic Scholarship |
For NCAA Division II athletes |
(partial/full) |
Selected sports programs |
Students must audition or submit a portfolio to be considered for these scholarships.
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Coverage |
Applicable Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
|
International Student Scholarship |
Based on academic merit & financial need |
Up to $5,000 per year |
All undergraduate programs |
|
Alumni Referral Scholarship |
Referral from a Converse alumni |
$1,000 (one-time award) |
Undergraduate programs |
|
Endowed & Donor-Funded Scholarships |
eligibility criteria |
N/A |
All programs |
Need-based aid requires FAFSA submission (for U.S. students).
Facility |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Montgomery Student Center |
Hub for student activities, dining, and social spaces |
|
Petrie School of Music |
Performance halls, practice rooms, and recording studios |
|
Mickel Library |
Digital and physical resources for students |
|
Athletic Complex & Fitness Center |
Gym, swimming pool, tennis courts, and training facilities |
|
Dining Hall & Café |
Healthy meal plans with various cuisine options |
|
Technology Labs & Study Spaces |
Computer labs, collaborative study areas, and WiFi access |
Location: The university is in Spartanburg, South Carolina, offering a safe and student-friendly environment.
Residence Hall Name |
Room Type |
Cost Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Pell Hall |
Double Occupancy |
$10,500 |
|
Dexter Hall |
Single Occupancy |
$12,000 |
|
Gibbs Hall |
Suite-Style Living |
$11,000 |
|
Cudd Hall |
Apartment-Style |
$12,500 |
|
Wilson Hall (Upperclassmen) |
Private Room |
$13,000 |
All residence halls include:
Fully furnished rooms (bed, desk, chair, closet)
High-speed WiFi & study lounges
Laundry facilities & community kitchens
24/7 security & resident advisors
Meal Plan Type |
Meals Per Week |
Cost Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Unlimited Plan |
Unlimited |
$5,500 |
|
Block 225 Plan |
225 meals/semester |
$4,800 |
|
Block 150 Plan |
150 meals/semester |
$4,200 |
All meal plans include access to the dining hall and campus café.
Converse University fosters a close-knit and diverse community, where students receive personalized attention from faculty and form lifelong friendships. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, students benefit from small class sizes and a supportive academic environment.
Originally a women’s college, Converse transitioned to a coeducational institution in 2020, welcoming both male and female students. The university embraces diversity and inclusion, with students from across the U.S. and around the world.
Converse offers 50+ student-led clubs and organizations that cater to various interests, including:
Student Government Association (SGA) – Provides leadership opportunities and student advocacy.
International Student Association – Supports global students in adjusting to life in the U.S.
Music Ensembles & Theatre Groups – Includes orchestras, choirs, and drama productions.
Greek Life & Honor Societies – Opportunities for academic and leadership recognition.
Community Service & Volunteering – Engage in local and global service projects.
Fitness & Outdoor Clubs – Hiking, yoga, and recreational sports for active students.
Students can also start their own club if they have a new idea or passion!
Converse University competes in NCAA Division II sports, with teams known as the Valkyries. The university offers:
Varsity Sports – Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Tennis, Swimming, Track & Field, Golf, Equestrian, and more.
Fitness & Wellness Programs – Campus gym, yoga classes, and mental health support.
Intramural Sports – Fun, non-competitive activities like flag football, ultimate frisbee, and dodgeball.
The university promotes a balanced lifestyle, encouraging students to stay active and participate in recreational activities.
Converse is home to the Petrie School of Music, one of the oldest music schools in the U.S., and offers:
Student concerts & recitals in world-class performance halls.
Musical theatre productions and drama performances.
Art exhibitions & workshops through the Milliken Art Gallery.
Students can showcase their creativity through on-campus performances, community outreach programs, and international arts collaborations.
Living on campus offers students a safe, supportive, and social experience.
Residence halls are fully furnished, with common areas, kitchens, and study spaces.
Resident assistants (RAs) organize events, movie nights, and social gatherings.
Dining options include healthy meal plans with diverse cuisine choices.
Many upperclassmen and graduate students also choose to live off-campus, where they can experience the city life of Spartanburg, SC.
Converse University prepares students for successful careers by providing:
Internships & Work-Study Programs – Partnerships with local and national companies.
Career Coaching & Networking Events – Résumé workshops, interview prep, and job fairs.
Study Abroad Programs – Opportunities to study in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Entrepreneurship & Leadership Training – Support for students interested in starting their own business.
Graduates of Converse go on to successful careers in music, education, business, healthcare, and the arts.
Spartanburg, South Carolina, offers a mix of urban and outdoor experiences:
Live Music & Art Festivals – Cultural events throughout the year.
Restaurants & Cafés – A mix of Southern and international cuisine.
Parks & Outdoor Recreation – Hiking trails, lakes, and sports activities.
Easy Access to Major Cities – Close to Charlotte, Atlanta, and Asheville.
On weekends, students explore nearby cities, participate in campus events, or relax in the beautiful Converse campus gardens.
Converse prioritizes mental, physical, and emotional well-being through:
Counseling & Mental Health Services – Free therapy sessions and stress management programs.
Health & Wellness Programs – Regular fitness classes, yoga, and nutrition workshops.
Academic Support & Tutoring – One-on-one mentoring for students needing extra help.
The university ensures that students feel supported, safe, and motivated throughout their academic journey.
1. Career Services & Placement Support
Converse University has a dedicated Career Development Center that assists students with:
Career Counseling & Coaching – Personalized career guidance for all students.
Internship & Job Placement Assistance – Connecting students with top companies, schools, hospitals, and arts organizations.
Résumé & Interview Workshops – Helping students create strong job applications.
Networking & Career Fairs – Events featuring employers and alumni connections.
Graduate School Preparation – Assistance for students pursuing Master’s or Doctoral programs.
2. Internships & Hands-on Learning
Many Converse students gain work experience before graduation through internships. Popular internship placements include:
Business & Finance: BMW, Bank of America, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare
Education: Public & Private Schools, Teach for America
Music & Arts: Carolina Philharmonic, The Chapman Cultural Center
Healthcare & Counseling: Prisma Health, Mental Health Centers
Technology & Marketing: Digital agencies, software companies
Over 80% of Converse students complete internships before graduation, enhancing their job prospects.
3. Job Placement & Employment Rates
90%+ of Converse graduates find employment or enter graduate school within 6 months of graduation.
Many graduates secure full-time job offers from internship employers.
Top Employers Hiring Converse Graduates:
Education & Teaching: Public Schools, Universities, Educational Nonprofits
Business & Finance: Wells Fargo, Ernst & Young, Local Startups
Healthcare & Psychology: Hospitals, Counseling Centers
Arts & Music: Symphony Orchestras, Art Galleries, Recording Studios
4. Salaries & Career Growth
Salaries vary based on field, experience, and location. Below are estimated salary ranges for Converse graduates:
Career Field |
Estimated Salary Range (USD/year) |
|---|---|
|
Business & Management |
$50,000 – $80,000 |
|
Education & Teaching |
$40,000 – $65,000 |
|
Healthcare & Counseling |
$50,000 – $85,000 |
|
Music Performance & Arts |
$30,000 – $70,000 |
|
Marketing & Communications |
$45,000 – $75,000 |
|
Technology & Data Science |
$60,000 – $100,000 |
STEM & business graduates tend to earn higher starting salaries, while arts & education graduates find steady career growth over time.
5. Graduate School Opportunities
Many Converse graduates continue their education at top universities, including:
Harvard University
Duke University
University of South Carolina
Clemson University
The Juilliard School (for Music & Arts students)
Converse alumni pursue advanced degrees in law, medicine, business, and the arts.
6. Entrepreneurial Support
Converse encourages entrepreneurship through:
Small Business & Startup Incubator Programs
Grants for Student Entrepreneurs
Networking with Local Business Leaders
Many Converse graduates start their own businesses, including music studios, art galleries, and online businesses.
7. Optional Practical Training (OPT) for International Students
International students on an F-1 visa can work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after graduation under OPT (Optional Practical Training).
STEM graduates may qualify for an additional 24-month OPT extension.
Converse helps students find employers willing to sponsor H-1B work visas.
Many international graduates secure jobs in education, healthcare, finance, and the arts.
Acceptance Rate: 82% (Approximate)
Type: Private Liberal Arts University
Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
Moderately Selective – Most students with a solid academic background and meeting basic requirements have a good chance of admission.
Test-Optional Policy – SAT/ACT scores are not required but may be submitted for scholarships.
Holistic Admission Process – Evaluates GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations.
Address:
Converse University
580 E Main St, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29302, USA
Type: Private Liberal Arts University
Campus Size: 70+ acres
Setting: Urban (Located in Spartanburg, SC)
Nearest City: Charlotte, NC (~75 miles away)
Nearest Airport: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) (~25 miles away)
